UKRAINE: THE SITUATION 513 - JULY 19, 2023

Russian forces conducted an extensive missile and drone attack on port and grain infrastructure in southern Ukraine on July 19, likely to underscore Russian objections to the renewal of the Black Sea grain agreement and hinder Ukraine's ability to export grain.

According to the Ukrainian General Staff, Russian forces used 16 Kalibr cruise missiles, eight Kh-22 anti-ship missiles, six Onyx cruise missiles, one Kh-59 guided missile, and 32 Iranian Shahed drones in their attacks. Ukrainian military officials reported that Russian forces targeted civilian and military infrastructure in the Odesa region with Kh-22 and Onyx missiles, and that Ukrainian forces shot down 37 air targets, including 13 Kalibrs, one Kh-59 missile, and 23 Shaheds. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russian forces specifically targeted the infrastructure required for conducting Black Sea grain business in the Odesa, Zhytomyr, and other regions. The Ukrainian Southern Operational Command reported that Russian troops attacked grain and oil terminals, damaging tanks and loading facilities. Ukrainian Minister of Agricultural Policy and Food Mykola Solskyi reported that Russian attacks on the night of July 19 destroyed 60,000 tons of grain at the Chornomorsk port in the Odesa region.

Ukrainian military officers reported that Russian forces targeted civilian and military infrastructure in the Odesa region with Kh-22 and Onyx missiles. The Southern Operational Command added that Russian attacks also targeted coastal areas in the Mykolaiv region and some infrastructure in the city of Kherson. Ukrainian Southern Operations Command spokeswoman Captain Nataliya Humenyuk stated that the Russian attacks on July 19 were "practically simultaneous" and that Russian forces likely attempted to overwhelm Ukrainian air defense systems. Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Colonel Yuri Ihnat stated that this attack was the most intense missile and drone attack on the Odesa region since the comprehensive invasion began in February 2022.

The complete Russian Offensive Update 512 is available directly from UNDERSTANDING WAR.

UNDERSTANDING WAR